Derailment of freight train 4DA2 near Cadney Park, South Australia, 25 November 2010

Summary

At about 0618 on Thursday 25 November 2010, freight train (4DA2) operated by FreightLink Pty Ltd derailed on the Central-Australia Railway line, near the 826 km mark, about 5 km south of Cadney Park in South Australia.

There were no injuries as a result of the derailment but there was significant damage to rolling-stock and about 300 m of track required replacement.

The investigation determined that a severe weather event, very strong winds associated with thunderstorm activity, were of a sufficient magnitude to initiate the rollover and subsequent derailment of a group of lightly loaded double-stacked container wagons.

A number of minor safety issues were identified as a result of the investigation and have been brought to the attention of Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd (GWA). These issues primarily relate to the wind effect on lightly loaded/high vehicles (particularly double-stacked containers) and the identification of and response to severe weather events.

Preliminary

At about 0618 on Thursday 25 November 2010, freight train 4DA2,
operated by FreightLink Pty Ltd, derailed on the Central Australian
Railway line just south of Cadney Park in South Australia. There
were no injuries as a result of the derailment but there was
significant damage to rolling stock and about 300 m of track
required renewal.

Safety Issues

Double stacked container wagons are at particular risk of wind induced roll-over. This is a direct relationship of exposed side area, and was therefore probably exacerbated by out of gauge/high loads on some wagons with a large surface area exposed to the gust front.